Coupling device for engine-indicators.



Nu. 666,407. Patented lan. 22, |90I. H. D. BULLEN. CUUPLING DEVICEFORENGINE INDICATORS.

(Applicntion lad June 19, 1000.)

(lo lndel.)

MMM?- KEW Tm: Npnms Pz'rsns co., PHorb-Lxrno.. WASHINGTON, n. 54 yUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE..

HERBERT D. BULLEN, OF LANSING, MICHIGAN.

COUPLING DEVICE FOR ENGINE-INDICATORS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 666,407, dated January22, 1901.

Application filed June 19, 1900. Serial No. 20,783. (No model.)

To all whom, t may concern.-

Be it known that I, HERBERT D. BULLEN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Lansing, in the county of Ingham and State of Michigan, haveinvented certain new and usefulImprovementsinCoupling DevicesforEngine-Indicators, of which the following is a specification,reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates generally to a device for coupling anengine-indicator with a reciprocating member of the engine, whereby theindicator may be readily placed in operation without the necessity ofslowing down or stopping the engine.

More particularly, my invention embraces, preferably, a portable deviceadapted to be held in the hands of the operator, by means of which theindicator-cord usually attached to a reducing-wheel may be engaged withthe engine cross-head.

The invention consists, therefore, in the novel construction ofa deviceof the character described and in the peculiar construction,arrangement, and combination of its various parts, as will be more fullyhereinafter described,and shown in the drawings,in which- Figure l is aperspective view of the coupling device. Fig. 2 is a vertical centraisection therethrough, showing the follower locked in operative relationto an engine crosshead. Fig. 3 is a similar sectional View illustratingthe position of the follower when released.

The reference-letter A designates a supporting-frame for the variousparts of the device, comprising two spaced parallel members B and O anda handle D, the latter being preferably integral with the members, asshown. In the forward part of the framework is pivoted upon a pin E thefollower-arm F. This arm at its free end is provided with spaced lugs c.(t, and at its inner end in proximity to the pin is recessed, as at b.Preferably integral with the follower and projecting at an acute angletherefrom is a locking-arm G, which is recessed at H, as indicated inFigs. 2 and 3.

I designates a coiled spring arranged within the recesses H and b andwound upon the pin E. One end c of the spring bears against thefollower, while the opposite end is looped upon a pin El, extendingthrough the parallel members of the frame.

Pivoted to the frame between the parallel members and at a poi ntintermediate the handle and the follower is a trigger I', whichconstitutes a lock for retaining the follower in operative position. Thehooked portion I2 of the trigger engages over a shoulder I3 upon thelocking-arm, and a coiled spring I1 connects the ltrigger with the rearportion of the frame, the spring acting normally to throw the triggerout of engagement with the locking-arm.

The parts of the device having been thus described, the operation of thesame is as follows: The indicator-cord J, which is attached to thereducing-wheel, (not sho\vn,) is looped over the end of the follower andprevented from slipping therefrom by the spaced lugs a. The follower isthen moved upon its pivotal connection and is secured in operativeposition by means of the trigger I. The coupling device, with theindicator-cord thereon, is then held in a position by the operator, asindicated in Fig. 2, where the pin K upon the usual engine cross-head Lwill just strike the follower at the end of the forward stroke of theengine. The slight jar will disengage the trigger from the locking-armand allow the coiled spring I4 to withdraw the trigger. The followerbeing thus free to move, the coiled spring I will cause the follower tofollow the cross-head in its return stroke and will throw the loop M ofthe indicator-cord over the pin K, thereby establishing a connectionbetween the indicator and the reciprocating member of the engine.

Vhile I have shown the device in the form which I deem most desirablefor use, I do not desire to be limited to the exact construction, as itis obvious that many modifications may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim as my invention isl. In a coupling device forengine-indicators, the combination with a supportingframe, of aspring-actuated follower thereon constructed to receive the connectingmember of an indicator, and means for holding the follower in anoperative position against the tension of the spring.

2. In a coupling device for engine-indica- IOO tors, the combinationwith a supportingframe, of a spring-actuated follower pivoted theretoand constructed to receive the connecting` member of an indicator, alock for holding the follower in an operative position ag'ai list thetension of its spring' and a releasing mechanism for the lock controlledby the follower.

3. In a coupling device for engine-indicators, the combination with asupportingframe, of a spring-actuated follower-arm pivoted thereto, thefree end of Said arm being` shaped to receive the looped end of theindicator-cord, and a spring-actuated trigger for holding thefollower-arm in an operative posit-ion against the tension of itsspring.

4E. In a coupling device for engine-indicators, the combination with thesupportingframe comprising,r a handle and spaced parallel membersprojecting forwardly therefrom, a spring-actuated follower-arm pivotedin the forward portion of the frame between the parallel members, alocking-arm extending; at. an acute angle from and'secured to thefollower-arm,a Spring-actuated triggeradapted to engage the locking-armto retain the follower in an operative position, and means upon the endof the follower for receiving the indicator-cord.

5. In a coupling device for engine-indicators, the combination with asupport, of a follower thereon adapted to receive and carry theconnecting member of the engineindicator, and means upon the support foractuating the follower.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

HERBERT D. BULLEN.

Vitnesses:

WILLIAM G. TITUS, JASON E, NICHOLS.

